DETROIT (WWJ) - Some Wayne County residents who have failed to show up for jury duty are getting one last opportunity to explain themselves before winding up on the wrong side of the law.

Administrators say over the past year, more than 35,000 people who were supposed to report for jury duty in Wayne County never showed up.

Court orders went out to those potential jurors telling them to appear before Chief Judge Robert Columbo Jr. on Thursday, Oct. 30, or risk a bench warrant being issued for their arrest, fines and penalties allowed under the law.

"Jurors represent the thinking of the community," Judge Columbo said in a statement. "It is a service that should command the pride and pleasure of every citizen and should not be avoided."

Columbo said jury service is essential to protect the rights of a defendant from an unfair prosecutor or lawyer or the possible prejudice of a judge.